26-year-old Garth (right) and his father Robin (left) have learnt that while you can't change your  family history, you can lower the risks linked to heart disease.

 

Garth was one of the younger heart-attack victims to benefit from Royal North Shore Hospital's emergency program.

 

Despite enjoying the occasional beer or slice of chocolate mud-cake, he was very slim, and generally watched his diet more than most people his age. So it was very unexpected when he experienced severe chest pains one Saturday morning, after enjoying brunch with some friends.

 

Symptoms

'I felt pain and tremendous pressure on the chest – it was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Something was heaving down on my heart and causing an awful irregular heart beat. I thought I was too young to have heart problems and so I tried to ignore the pain. But as an intense dizziness set in, blurring my vision, my friends called an ambulance and I was taken straight to emergency.'

 

At Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, doctors suspected Garth had suffered a myocardial infarction (a heart attack). He was also diagnosed with an ectopic heartbeat – small variations in otherwise normal heart rhythms, causing his heart to beat 'out of place'.

 

Family history

'Given the prevalence of heart disease in my family history, my doctor told me I was at high risk of suffering further heart complications in the future – it was a huge shock to everyone.'

 

Garth's father Robin had survived heart problems resulting in a triple bypass at age 62, but was astonished that his healthy son could suffer a similar fate.

 

'Everyone always told me heart health was hereditary, but it was difficult to believe until my own son was at risk'

 

Lifestyle changes

Four years later, Garth and Robin have both made some serious changes. Exercise is a priority, and they have regular check-ups with their doctors.

 

'Dad and I now keep each other in good check with our heart health. In summer we love going down to the beach and having a body surf together, and I play squash and do yoga too,' says Garth.

 

'We still enjoy Dad's monster BBQ, but only for special occasions. Sausages and steaks with a beer or two are a big treat for Dad when the whole family gets together.'

 

He adds: 'I had to learn to make these changes earlier than most, but it's been great having the support of my family the whole way.'